Amsterdam by night

It's a city famous for its sex museums and sex shows, for its night cruises and for its free-spirited night life where most things are legal.

This makes Amsterdam one of the most sought-after cities for its nightlife. Of course De Wallen, the area of legalised prostitution in Amsterdam, is one of the most famous red light districts in the world and has steadily become one of the main tourist attractions.

But before you gear up for the nightlife start off your evening by walking down the lanes near the Amsterdam central station, crossing the tiny bridges, grabbing a cup of coffee on your way and shopping for knick knacks. Stop over at the sex museum and check out the history of porn, some interesting interactive art works and Marilyn Monroe's skirt that lifts each time the wind blows!

Leidseplein and Remrandtplein are the two main nightlife destinations in the city. Full of discos and clubs, these are choc-a-bloc with people gulping down the beer and sipping on some wine. There are many dimly lit, tiny pubs where you are likely to bump into people from all over and chat into the night.

If you are a big group of people, you can book a night canal cruise on the Amstel. The cruise is slightly expensive but worth it, as you get your food, drinks and music on board and you cross under the countless number of bridges, experiencing the city up-close by night.

Late into the night is the perfect time to hit the red light district. The first thing that will strike you is the red light coming out of the windows where women dressed to titillate make their moves with innovative themes in the background. Most people though come here only to party so you'll definitely feel comfortable around here.

Here, many coffee shops offer marijuana and hash cookies. Check out the first and oldest coffee shop called Bull Dog, one of the first coffee shops that came up in Amsterdam.

Pubs lay out tables along the canal and one can just sit back and soak in the whole atmosphere. These streets are buzzing no matter what day of the week. Many costume parties also happen around this area and you are most like to witness some strangely dressed people making noise about nothing! There are tons of sex shops in Amsterdam, alive and buzzing by night, a major attraction for tourists.

Amsterdam has an old world charm in its canal, bridges, buildings, squares, lanes, coffee shops and pubs that come alive at night. And partying in Amsterdam cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. The night experience, just like the city, is quirky and fun.